WASHINGTON — Beyoncé drew a loud cheer at the inauguration Monday even before her impressive rendition of the national anthem. But in the role she played four years ago singing for the president and first lady at the inaugural ball was her “Dreamgirls” co-star Jennifer Hudson.

If President Barack Obama’s first inaugural theme seemed to be summed up by Beyoncé’s “At Last,” this time it was Hudson’s version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.”

Hudson was among the entertainment at Monday night’s inaugural balls, joined by Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.

Earlier in the day, the applause for Beyoncé started when she took her place with Jay-Z at the Capitol to watch Obama take the oath for his second term.

James Taylor kicked off the musical performances, strumming his guitar and singing “America the Beautiful.” Kelly Clarkson followed with a different arrangement of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Then Beyoncé was introduced and the crowd again roared its approval.

Beyoncé had a definite fan in Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who applauded eagerly after she finished singing the national anthem.

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